Well of Hope's "Steps To Healing A Broken Generation" meshes fun with community resources

FLINT, MI—Music by area entertainment staples, bouncy
houses, and food were all up for grabs at Haskell Community Center on Thursday,
but it was only part of the bigger picture.

Well of Hope's yearly "Steps To Healing A Broken Generation"
lasted for much of the day, and despite the fun, event coordinator Chia Morgan
said that the primary goal of the event is more substantial.

"We want to provide families with resources that provide for
them," Morgan said, "and get to the core of violence in the city."

The event had informational booths for CareSource, Traveling
Optician LLC, and Genesee Valley Health Plan. Attendees had the opportunity to
get tested for HIV, and sign up for after-school mentoring and programs that
would take eligible families to doctor's appointments.

State police, Morgan said, patrolled the event to ensure
safety.

The fun wasn't hard to miss: DJ C-Nice of Club 93.7 provided
music and broadcasted live from the event, while kids danced along, enjoyed
face painting, and jumped in nearby bouncy houses. The event had attendees of
all ages though, who purchased items from vendors and munched on hot dogs and
burgers from the grill.

Greg Burke served as a keynote speaker, and when Morgan was
speaking to Flint Journal, she was preparing to ask Flint emcee Mama Sol to
fill in for another poet that couldn't make it.

"People have been really receptive to the resources," Morgan
said. "Volunteers are being really helpful with guiding people to what they
need."